NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, read the information under "Background" below and watch the video under "Resources."

1.  How many electoral college votes are there in total?  On what numbers are they based?

2.  How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win the presidency?

3.  What are "swing states" (also known as "battleground" or "toss-up" states)?

4.  What is the "transition"?

5.  How many members of the House of Representatives were also elected this election day?

CHALLENGE QUESTION:
a) List the battleground states in the 2012 presidential election.
b) List the winner of each state's electoral votes, and the number of popular votes each candidate received.
c) List the names and parties of the Representatives and (if applicable) Senators who won in your state. Who is the Representative for your district?